What Is a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) for Addiction?

A Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) is a structured, intensive form of outpatient addiction treatment that typically runs 5–6 hours per day, 5 days a week. It provides near-inpatient levels of clinical care – therapy, medical monitoring, and group support – while allowing people to return home each evening. PHP is widely considered the highest level of outpatient treatment available and is often used as a step-down from inpatient or residential care, or as a step-up for people who need more structure than a standard IOP provides.

If you or someone you care about is dealing with alcohol or drug addiction and wondering whether PHP is the right level of care, this guide covers everything you need to know: what PHP involves, who it’s designed for, what a typical day looks like, how long it lasts, and how it compares to other treatment options.

Key Takeaways

• PHP (Partial Hospitalization Program) is the most intensive level of outpatient addiction treatment – 5–6 hours/day, 5 days/week
• It provides near-inpatient clinical care without an overnight stay, making it ideal for people who need intensive support but have a stable home environment
• PHP commonly treats alcohol, opioid, cocaine, meth, and prescription drug addiction
• Most major insurance plans cover PHP when medically necessary
• After PHP, most clients step down to IOP, then standard outpatient – creating a full continuum of care

What Does PHP Stand For in Addiction Treatment?

PHP stands for Partial Hospitalization Program. The word “partial” refers to the fact that you’re participating in a hospital-level intensity of treatment – but only for part of the day, not overnight. Despite the name, PHP doesn’t require a hospital stay. Most PHP programs are offered through outpatient treatment centers, and clients live at home or in sober living housing during treatment.

In addiction treatment, PHP sits at the top of the outpatient treatment programs spectrum – more intensive than IOP or standard outpatient, but less restrictive than inpatient or residential rehab.

What Happens in a PHP Program?

PHP programs are built around structured daily schedules that include multiple types of therapy and clinical support. While each program varies, here’s what a typical PHP day at an addiction treatment center looks like:

Most PHP programs also incorporate medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid or alcohol use disorder when clinically appropriate, regular drug screenings, and coordination with outside support services.

Who Is PHP Right For?

PHP is designed for people who need intensive, structured support but don’t require 24-hour medical supervision. According to ASAM (American Society of Addiction Medicine) criteria, PHP is generally appropriate for people with:

• Moderate to severe alcohol or drug use disorder – including issues with opioids, alcohol, cocaine, meth, benzodiazepines, or other substances
• A stable home or sober living environment – PHP doesn’t work well if the person is returning to an actively using household each night
• Completed medical detox but still at high risk of relapse without intensive daily support
• Recently discharged from inpatient or residential rehab and needing a structured step-down
• Tried standard outpatient or IOP but need a higher level of care to maintain sobriety
• Co-occurring conditions such as depression or anxiety (note: Tovli Recovery specializes in addiction treatment; for mental health co-occurring conditions, coordination with Tovli Mental Health may be recommended)

PHP works well for people treating alcohol addiction, drug addiction, and prescription drug dependency. If you’re unsure whether PHP is the right fit, Tovli’s admissions team can help determine the right level of care based on a clinical assessment – see our admission process for details.

How Long Does PHP Last?

The length of a PHP program depends on the individual’s progress, severity of addiction, and clinical recommendation. In general:

• Most PHP programs run 4–6 weeks, though some individuals participate for 8+ weeks
• Sessions typically occur 5 days per week, 5–6 hours per day
• Progress is reviewed regularly, and the program may shorten or lengthen based on clinical outcomes
• After completing PHP, most clients step down to an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) for continued support at a lower intensity

The goal isn’t to rush through the program – it’s to ensure you’ve built a stable foundation before stepping down to less intensive care.

How Does PHP Compare to IOP and Standard Outpatient?

The three main levels of outpatient addiction care are PHP, IOP, and standard outpatient (OP). Here’s how they differ. For a detailed breakdown, see our PHP vs IOP comparison guide.

If you’re weighing PHP against IOP specifically, our PHP vs IOP guide walks through the differences in detail, including how to tell which level is right for you.

Can I Work or Go to School During PHP?

It’s possible, but it’s challenging. PHP typically runs for 5–6 hours per day during business hours, which makes holding down a full-time job or attending full-time school very difficult. Some considerations:

• Part-time or remote work may be manageable around PHP hours, depending on your schedule
• Some employers offer FMLA (Family and Medical Leave Act) protections for addiction treatment – meaning your job may be protected while you attend PHP
• Many people find that the intensity of early recovery itself makes working during PHP inadvisable – your full focus in this phase tends to yield better long-term outcomes
• If maintaining work is essential and you’re clinically appropriate, IOP may offer more scheduling flexibility – typically 3 evenings per week or mornings

Talk to the Tovli admissions team about your specific situation. We’ll help determine what level of care fits your recovery needs and your life.

Does Insurance Cover PHP for Addiction?

One thing worth asking about directly: Tovli Recovery is out of network with most insurers. That is not the barrier people assume. Many plans reimburse a meaningful share of out-of-network care once a deductible is met, and the only way to know your number is to have someone run the benefits check for you. Call 423-455-9483 and ask for a benefits check, or verify your insurance and we will come back to you with what your plan actually covers.

In most cases, yes. PHP is recognized by ASAM as a standard level of care, and most major insurance plans cover it when medically necessary. Insurers commonly covered at Tovli Recovery include:

• Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS)
• Aetna
• UnitedHealthcare (UHC)
• Cigna
• Humana
• Ambetter
• Tricare
• Oscar Health

Coverage levels, co-pays, and prior authorization requirements vary by plan. The fastest way to find out is to verify your insurance online – it takes just a few minutes and our team will contact you with a clear breakdown of your benefits.

If you are working out logistics, how long PHP treatment lasts covers the typical two to four week range and what moves it, and what to expect in PHP walks through a typical day.

PHP at Tovli Recovery in Chattanooga, TN

Tovli Recovery’s PHP program is located in Chattanooga, Tennessee, serving individuals and families throughout the greater Chattanooga area and East Tennessee. Our PHP is designed around evidence-based clinical practices – including CBT, DBT, motivational interviewing, and trauma-informed care – delivered by licensed addiction treatment professionals.

We offer PHP as part of a full addiction treatment in Chattanooga continuum that includes outpatient detox, IOP, standard OP, and aftercare support. Whether you’re stepping down from inpatient care or entering treatment for the first time, our clinical team will assess your needs and recommend the right level of care.

Sources
American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM). The ASAM Criteria: Treatment Criteria for Addictive, Substance-Related, and Co-Occurring Conditions.
SAMHSA. National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), 2023. Available at samhsa.gov
NIDA. Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment: A Research-Based Guide (Third Edition). National Institute on Drug Abuse.
CMS. Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Parity. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
U.S. Department of Labor. FMLA (Family and Medical Leave Act) - Employee Guide.

Medical Disclaimer
This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Treatment decisions should be made in consultation with a licensed healthcare provider. If you or someone you know is experiencing a substance use emergency, call 911 or the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357 (free, confidential, 24/7).